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5 Tips to a Great Audition

There are few things more nerve-racking for a typical musician than *auditions*.

Every August, OurSong has a round of auditions to hear potential singers who wish to be added to our group. So, as the summer heat cooks ever hotter in Atlanta, we examine the humble audition, that singular activity that can strike fear in the heart of many.

Consider a performance, even a huge one, in front of critics, or at Carnegie Hall. The musician would have prepared, imagined themselves on stage, gone over all the technicalities and nuances that the art requires. Stage fright may be present, but stage fright managed properly can be yet another tool of focus for that person’s performance. Also, the audience chose to be there, ostensibly because they already admire and appreciate the artist.

Photo by Andrew Gaines

Now consider and audition: singing for 3-4 people, at point blank range, in a small room, with an accompanist you’ve never worked with, and people who don’t know you from Adam. Did you prepare your solo? Certainly, one hopes. But there will also be elements of the audition of which you have to show mastery at the drop of a hat, like sight-reading, tonal memory, vocalisation and such.

So how can you prepare for this quasi torturous event?

1) Prepare your solo

This will typically be a short passage, around 16 – 20 bars or maybe about 60 seconds of music. Since you often won’t get to sing the entire song, it is important to select the passage which highlights the most exceptional sounds or abilities of your voice. If you aren’t sure how to select that, it can be helpful to consult a former voice teacher or music teacher you had a relationship with in the past. Someone who knows your voice well can help you determine how best to show it off.

Remember that expression is part of what the panel will be reviewing during your rendering. It isn’t only about the notes and rhythms, your range, or your ability to fly through runs. It is also about how you express the meaning or the “feel” of the music. You may want to practice in front of a mirror once or twice, or even video yourself to see yourself from an outsider’s perspective. The caveat with mirror work or video is that you will see all kinds of things you didn’t realize you were doing. You should not obsess about things that don’t matter; that is something that could cause you to be thrown off your inner game. Do NOT sweat the small stuff.

2) Brush up on any technical components, as necessary

If you know what technical components will be on your audition, make sure you understand them, and prepare for them in advance. Will you be asked about key signatures? Do you have to take a theory exam? Will you be asked to sight-read, a cappella, or with other people singing other parts simultaneously?

In these modern times, there are dozens of digital tools that can help you with sight-reading practice, such as https://www.sightreadingfactory.com

Or

https://sightreadingmastery.com/sightsinging . Some apps are free, some are paid, but rest assured there are many ways that you can get that practice, even if you do not have a teacher or a keyboard at home on which to practice.

3) Take Good Physical Care

Your body is your instrument. Rest well in advance of the audition, if at all possible. Make sure you leave with plenty of time to deal with traffic, parking, arrival, so that you minimize that stress (and make a good impression in terms of arriving early and drama-free). Hydrate! Do what you need to do to hydrate your tissues throughout, not just drinking some water right before you arrive.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska

Oh, and BREATHE! Deeply, freely, easily, as often as necessary, etc. Hopefully, as a singer, you already know some deep breathing exercises, so use them liberally. Long slow breaths when you are talking to the panel can help ground you and calm you. Breathing deeply during a piano intro can set you up for a relaxed tone. Of course it goes without saying that you need to breathe properly during the sung parts of the audition itself.

4) Avoid making excuses

As the listener, I have heard a lot of excuses over the years of many, many auditions. Things like, “I usually hit that high note fine, but I’m really nervous,” or “I’ve got so much phlegm from these allergies that my voice won’t sound good tonight,” or “I haven’t sung since college.”

It is ok to be honest, if you are recovering from a cold you can say that. But, no excuses. A simple “I’m recovering from a cold” should suffice. Let the panel be the judge of how it does or does not affect your voice. Honestly, we, the “trained experts” can hear your potential through phlegm and nervousness, so you have to trust that part of the process. And making excuses just makes us feel your insecurity or lack of confidence more than it makes us feel better about your singing. So, leave the excuses in the car.

5) Make a connection!

As nervous as you feel, remember to be yourself. Try to connect with the people on the panel of who will be hearing you, but keep it simple. Don’t try too hard, just breathe, try to relax, and be your genuine self. It is ok to be honest, as long as you don’t tread into the realm of overshare. If you are nervous, you can be truthful and say that, but don’t overemphasize it (or use it as an excuse for your performance, see item 4, above).

Photo by Carlos Dominguez

In the end, realize that all auditions are a good use of time. Whether you “pass” or not, which is to say, whether you got the desired outcome of being added to the group or production for which you were auditioning, it was a good use of your time. If you made a mistake, you can choose to learn from it, and move on. If your audition went off without a hitch, in your eyes, and you still did not get selected for the group, know that it is probably just a simple matter of fit. You may have a spectacular voice, but it isn’t exactly what the director is seeking for that part or section. That’s ok. And remember, it is not personal. Really.

Auditions not only help you hone your craft a little bit if you prepare correctly, but they can also help you overcome obstacles musicians deal with regularly. See it as an opportunity rather than a chore and each audition can be your oyster.

-Ellen Chase
Associate Artistic Director

If you or someone you know would like to audition, please contact Artistic Director Dr. Robert Glor for more information at robert.glor@oursongatlanta.org or audition@oursongatlanta.org.